Slow Cooker Black Bean and Hamburger Soup

This soup is simple, comforting and inexpensive. I make mine with homemade chili powder made from dried habaneros so mine is pretty spicy - if you are using a milder chili powder you might consider adding additonal cayenne pepper. You can also substitute cajun seasoning for the chili powder. You could also do this on the stovetop - just brown the hamburger add all the rest of the ingredients and simmer until the beans are tender.

• Ready In: 8 hrs 15 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  lb dried black beans
• 1  lb lean ground beef
• 6  cups beef broth
• 1  tablespoon chili powder
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1  teaspoon ground cumin
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. Brown the hamburger meat, drain the fat and place the meat into a slow cooker.
2. Add the beans, seasonings and broth. (You can soak the beans before if desired - I never do!).
3. Cook on low for around 8 hours or until the beans are tender, adding water or additional broth as needed. I usually need to add about 2 cups of water as the beans cook and soak up the liquid.